Baked Buffalo Chicken Taquitos: Your Ultimate Easy Appetizer & Weeknight Dinner
Transform your kitchen into a haven of flavor with these incredibly easy-to-make Buffalo Chicken Taquitos! Perfect for a fun dinner, a crowd-pleasing appetizer, or a game-day snack, these taquitos deliver all the zest of buffalo chicken in a convenient, crunchy, and satisfying package. Forget store-bought versions – creating your own taquitos at home has never been simpler or more delicious. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this irresistible recipe that’s bound to become a new favorite!
The Taquito Tradition: From Movie Night to Culinary Quest
There’s something wonderfully comforting about establishing simple traditions, and for us, that’s often involved a cozy “taquito night” while catching up on our favorite shows. As soon as the new season of *The Walking Dead* began, it was only natural to reinstate this delicious ritual. Call us rebels, but there’s just something about a plate of crispy, flavorful taquitos that elevates any evening at home.
Our journey into the world of homemade taquitos truly began after mastering my popular baked cream cheese chicken taquitos. That recipe opened a floodgate of culinary inspiration for my husband, who quickly embarked on a mission to invent every imaginable taquito variation. While some of his initial ideas leaned a bit towards the “crazy” or “off-the-wall” side, his suggestion for a buffalo chicken version immediately struck me as a brilliant, surefire winner. The thought of combining the tangy, spicy kick of buffalo sauce with the satisfying crunch of a taquito was simply too good to pass up.
A Delicious Fusion: Marrying Two Favorites
This Buffalo Chicken Taquito recipe isn’t just a new dish; it’s a delightful fusion of two of the most beloved and highly-rated recipes on my site: my creamy buffalo chicken dip and those aforementioned baked cream cheese chicken taquitos. It’s no surprise these two stand out as fan favorites; they’re undeniably delicious in their own right. I wholeheartedly share that sentiment, so the idea of combining their best elements into one ultimate snack was incredibly exciting.
I eagerly got to work in the kitchen, meticulously blending the rich, tangy flavors of the buffalo dip with the comforting, roll-up form of the taquito. The goal was to create a harmonious balance – creamy filling, savory chicken, and that unmistakable buffalo kick, all wrapped in a perfectly crisp tortilla shell. The result? Nothing short of incredible. Each bite delivers that familiar, irresistible buffalo chicken flavor you love, elevated by the satisfying texture and handheld convenience of a taquito.
Baked for Health and Perfection: A Healthier Twist on a Classic
One of the key advantages of these homemade taquitos is their preparation method: they are baked, not fried. This simple change makes them a noticeably healthier option compared to many greasy, store-bought versions, allowing you to enjoy them without any guilt. Baking provides a wonderfully crisp exterior without the need for excessive oil, resulting in a lighter bite that doesn’t compromise on texture or flavor. Plus, knowing exactly what goes into your food – specifically, that these taquitos are filled with real, wholesome shredded chicken – is always a good thing, right?
Despite the prominent taste of buffalo sauce, rest assured that these taquitos are designed to be flavorful, not overwhelmingly spicy. The cream cheese in the filling beautifully mellows out the heat, ensuring a balanced taste that most palates will appreciate. If you prefer a milder taste, you can easily adjust the amount of buffalo sauce. For those who crave an extra layer of cooling creaminess, a dip in a dollop of ranch dressing is absolutely essential. Or, if you’re a blue cheese fan, that makes an excellent pairing as well!
Versatile & Easy: Perfect for Any Occasion
These Buffalo Chicken Taquitos truly shine as a versatile meal solution. Need a quick and easy dinner option after a busy day? These fit the bill perfectly. They’re incredibly simple to assemble, and with a mere 15 minutes in the oven, you’ll have a hot, satisfying meal ready in no time. But their utility doesn’t stop there.
They are also an absolute superstar for entertaining. Imagine serving these at your next football game party, a casual get-together with friends, or even a potluck. Their handheld nature makes them ideal finger food, and the bold buffalo flavor is always a crowd-pleaser. They disappear quickly from any appetizer spread! Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or a lively group of guests, these taquitos promise to be a hit. We genuinely hope you enjoy making and devouring them as much as we do!
Tips for Crafting the Perfect Buffalo Chicken Taquitos
Choosing and Preparing Your Chicken
The foundation of great buffalo chicken taquitos starts with fantastic shredded chicken. You have several convenient options:
- Rotisserie Chicken: This is my go-to for speed and flavor. A store-bought rotisserie chicken can be quickly shredded, saving you valuable prep time.
- Boiled Chicken: If you prefer to cook your own, simply boil a couple of chicken breasts until cooked through, then shred them using two forks or a stand mixer with a paddle attachment.
- Instant Pot/Slow Cooker Chicken: For tender, easy-to-shred chicken, cook chicken breasts with a little broth in your Instant Pot or slow cooker until fork-tender.
Ensure your chicken is finely shredded to make rolling the taquitos easier and to ensure an even distribution of flavor in every bite.
Mastering the Filling
The cream cheese is crucial for that signature creamy texture that balances the buffalo spice. Make sure your cream cheese is softened to room temperature before mixing. This will prevent lumps and ensure a smooth, homogeneous filling. You can soften it quickly by microwaving it for 10-15 seconds, or by letting it sit on the counter for about 30 minutes.
Feel free to experiment with the cheese! While mozzarella offers a classic melt and mild flavor, a blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack could add more sharpness, or a touch of blue cheese crumbles could amp up the authentic buffalo flavor profile. Adjust the buffalo sauce to your taste – add a little extra for more heat, or a touch less for a milder experience. A pinch of garlic powder can also enhance the aromatic depth if you’re out of fresh garlic.
Rolling for Success
To prevent your tortillas from cracking while rolling, it’s helpful to warm them slightly. You can do this by wrapping them in a damp paper towel and microwaving for 15-30 seconds, or by briefly heating them in a dry skillet over medium heat until pliable. Don’t overheat them, as they can become stiff. A tightly rolled taquito ensures the filling stays in place and allows for a beautiful, even bake.
Baking for Optimal Crispness
Lining your baking sheet with foil and spraying it lightly with cooking spray is key to preventing sticking and making cleanup a breeze. Arranging the taquitos seam-side down on the baking sheet will help them maintain their rolled shape as they bake. Keep an eye on them during the last few minutes; you want them golden brown and crispy, but not burnt.
Buffalo Chicken Taquitos
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Ingredients
- 3 ounces cream cheese softened
- 3 tablespoons buffalo sauce
- 1 cup shredded chicken
- 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese or your favorite kind
- 1 clove garlic minced (1/2 tsp.)
- 10 flour tortillas
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200°C). Line a baking sheet with foil or spray well with cooking spray and set aside. This helps with even cooking and easier cleanup.
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In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and buffalo sauce. Mix thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and evenly combined. Next, add the shredded chicken, mozzarella cheese (or your preferred cheese), and minced garlic. Stir well until all ingredients are fully incorporated, ensuring every bite will be bursting with flavor.
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Take each flour tortilla and spoon about 2-3 tablespoons of the buffalo chicken mixture into the center. Carefully roll each tortilla tightly, starting from one end. Place each rolled taquito seam side down on the prepared baking sheet. This technique helps keep the taquitos from unrolling during baking.
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Bake the taquitos for approximately 15 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy on the outside, and the filling is heated through and bubbly.
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Once baked to perfection, remove them from the oven. Let them cool for a minute or two before serving, then enjoy these delicious homemade taquitos!
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